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“These socio-civic activities were carried out upon instruction from Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister, in obedience to God’s commandment that we help those in need, whether they are Iglesia Ni Cristo members or not,” said district supervising minister Brother Eric B. Zaratan.
To provide hundreds of relief packages to victims of Mayon Volcano eruption and ongoing unrest, the Ecclesiastical District of Albay conducted Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity) events on January 18, 2026, at four separate venues.
Brother Zaratan together with assistant district supervising minister Brother Barry C. Javier, fellow ministers constituting the district leadership, resident ministers, and ministerial workers were hands-on in distributing aid at several venues, which were the San Jose High School grounds, Mariroc and Masarawag Congregations’ house of worship compound, and the Tagaytay Evacuation Center.
The said humanitarian activities were held a few days after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) strongly advised and necessitated immediate and mandatory evacuations to residents within Mayon Volcano’s 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone due to dangers like lava flows, rockfalls, landslides, and pyroclastic density currents leading to the volcano’s status being raised to Alert Level 3, which indicates a high level of volcanic unrest, and thus preparations for extended zones (7-8 km).
“Our crops and livestock were greatly affected. We can’t afford to leave them unattended,” shared Marilou Bo of Brgy. Calbayog, Malilipot, Albay. “As instructed by the government, we’re here at the evacuation center but it’s hard not being at our own home. We sleep at the floor. When it rains, it’s likewise hard for us as we cook out in the open, thus getting our cooking equipment soaked. Worse, many are getting sick.” Also a nonmember, Lolita Benitez said, “My job is at Iraya. Being here in the evacuation area, my work’s at a standstill.”
Overall, a total of 58 sacks containing hundreds of relief packages were distributed; 532 individuals benefited, more than 250 of whom are not members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Each package contained five kilos of rice, canned goods, and coffee.
“We have pocket money but it’s still hard to adjust here at the evacuation center as days go by. We may already be here but still our health’s at risk,” said Lourdes Suige of Mariroc Congregation.
“Since my youth, my family evacuates every time there’s an eruption,” said head deacon Jilbert Mujar of Camalig Congregation. “Praises be to God for despite this recent unrest I and my family are still able to fulfill our Church duties, including our devotional prayers, so that God may help us through it all.”
Having respectively received relief packages, all those interviewed were not remiss in saying their heartfelt thanks. On behalf of those gathered at the evacuation centers, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office staff Christian Bilolo said, “We’re very thankful having private donors, such as the Iglesia Ni Cristo, whose donations have truly been a great help to our day-to-day living here.” – With research assistance from Genedriel Balceda and Faye Praga, photos from Marichar Ojano, Joel Copla, and Alma Mae Cas
